The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to the well-being of persons with autism spectrum disorder. The ASP has been in the forefront of providing services and training to families living with autism.

21 March 2011

Mandaluyong City, also known as the Tiger City, has been in partnership with ASP for many years. Evidenced by the creation of the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Division (PDAD)in the city; the office is trusted to advocate equal opportunity and accessibility of persons with disabilities in education, employment, health, socio-civic, cultural, and sports programs and design programs and projects for and with disabled persons unique according to their needs.

As one of the members of the Working Committee for the 15th National Autism Consciousness Week Celebrations, the city government put up streamers in strategic places to as part of their Public Awareness Campaign regarding autism. The city also sponsored through PDAD, headed by Oscar B. Arceo, the city’s PWD Affairs Officer an Autism Awareness Program last January 10.

ASP Trustee, Fredeswina J. Javier and son Conrado were invited as guest speakers. Conrado, a person with autism, is a graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Business Education, Major in Business Management. Through their personal testimonies, both Conrado and Fredes informed the participants that autism is not a hindrance to achieving life’s goals.

Later, the honorable mayor gave an inspirational speech to encourage his constituents to work together and make dreams a reality for all “special people”. The activity was participated by teachers and students with autism from the SPED Centers and Public Schools. Children gave song and dance numbers and other children with disabilities came to show support.

PWA Rosel Conrado Sobremonte of Eulogio Rodriguez Integrated School bagged the First Prize Award under the Mainstream/Inclusion Elementary Category, during the On-the-Spot Drawing Contest, held last January 17 held at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); while PWA Irish Charles Eden Satore of Jose Fabella Memorial School, won Second Place in the Quiz A Contest under the Secondary Mainstreamed Division, last January 18 at the Mitra Hall of House of Representatives.

During the Angels Walk for Autism last January 16, at SM Mall of Asia; ASP Mandaluyong Chapter headed the city contingent with their delegates from Doña Basilisa Yangco Elementary School, Eulogio Rodriguez Integrated School, Jose Fabella Memorial School, Isaac Lopez Integrated School and Nueve De Febrero Elementary School; together with Katipunan ng mga Magulang ng mga Batang may Kapansanan sa Mandaluyong Inc., a council of PWD parents’ association; teachers and their students with autism.

For more information on the Programs and Services for Persons with Autism inMandaluyong City, get in touch with ASP Mandaluyong President, Ms. Chalie B. Barberan, courtesy of Mr. Oscar B. Arceo, OIC of Disabled Persons Affairs Division, City Hall Complex, Maysilo Circle, Mandaluyong City at Tel No: 534-0988/ 5325001 loc.308 or email:dpad@mandaluyong.gov.ph